His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, has launched the Barakatna initiative, aimed at further enhancing the quality of life for senior citizens within Abu Dhabi’s comprehensive community care ecosystem and strengthening the values of family cohesion and social solidarity. The launch occurred in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Abu Dhabi Media Office reported.
The announcement was made at Qasr Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi, where His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received a delegation from the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, led by Chairman His Excellency Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, along with a delegation from the Family Development Foundation headed by Director General Her Excellency Maryam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, in addition to representatives from entities participating in the Barakatna initiative.
Enhancing community care for senior citizens
Under the supervision of the Department of Community Development, and in collaboration with the Family Development Foundation and several organizations involved in Abu Dhabi’s social sector, the Barakatna initiative seeks to improve the efficiency of home care provided to senior citizens in a suitable family setting. It aims to ensure a stable, healthy, and fulfilling life for senior citizens within their families.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed emphasized the significance of this community initiative as a continuation of efforts to care for senior citizens, ensuring their dignity and wellbeing while recognizing their invaluable contributions and role as a cornerstone of the nation’s development. He underscored that the Barakatna initiative is a measure of the UAE’s appreciation and gratitude for the sacrifices made by senior citizens in advancing the nation’s progress.
Valuing contributions of senior citizens
His Highness reaffirmed the important role played by senior citizens, describing them as a vital pillar of society whose wisdom, experience, and resilience help to guide younger generations. He emphasized that they remain an integral part of the nation’s social fabric, serving as role models through their dedication and determination, inspiring others to continue the UAE’s journey of progress. His Highness noted that supporting the wellbeing of senior citizens through initiatives such as Barakatna is both a national responsibility and a reflection of the values they have helped to instill in society.
Promoting family cohesion through integrated services
The Barakatna initiative aims to reinforce family ties and cohesion by developing an integrated system of community services designed to ease everyday life. It empowers individuals to care for their senior relatives effectively and helps caregivers achieve a balance between their personal, professional, and social responsibilities. These services aim to ensure the wellbeing of senior citizens while driving family cohesion, contributing to building a more united and harmonious society that reflects the UAE’s deeply rooted values.
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has endorsed the initiative’s services and programs, which include six pioneering services implemented by a group of social sector entities in Abu Dhabi. These entities include the Department of Community Development, the Family Development Foundation, the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, the Department of Municipalities and Transport, the Department of Government Enablement, and the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre.
Commitment to senior citizen wellbeing
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan affirmed that ensuring the wellbeing of senior citizens is not merely a social priority supported by the UAE’s leadership, but a deeply rooted value that instills in current and future generations a profound respect for the sacrifices of those who laid the foundations of the nation’s progress and development.
Key services within the initiative include the Temporary Alternative Care Service for Senior Citizens in cases where family members are unable to fulfill caregiving responsibilities. Other services include the Home Improvements for Senior Citizens service to support primary caregivers in carrying out home improvements at facilities used by senior citizens, and the Extending the Term of Housing Loans service to extend housing loan repayment periods by an additional five years to ease financial burdens on caregivers. Furthermore, the initiative offers the Flexible Work Systems for Parents and Caregivers service, according to specific conditions and standards, allowing caregivers to achieve a balance between their personal, professional, and social responsibilities while enabling them to care for their parents efficiently and effectively.
The Barakatna initiative was launched in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President; His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport; His Excellency Ahmed Tamim Al Kuttab, Chairman of the Department of Government Enablement; and a number of officials.
